“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:9
It was William Cowper who wrote the following lines: “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mine of never-failing skill; He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.” Why does Cowper speak of the mysterious ways of God? Is God a mystery? Why does the Apostle Paul in the inspired Scriptures speak of a “mystery” that God has kept hid from men from the beginning of the world?
To begin answering these questions, and to learn where these answers should lead us, we need to define the term, “mystery.” Biblically speaking, a mystery is a hidden reality, not yet discovered, or embraced. In essence it is an unrevealed truth of God, and His ways. The great purpose of the unveiled mystery, or hidden truth, is found in the wisdom and wonder of God, who sovereignly keeps the mystery hidden from men until the time for the realization of His purposes. The revelation of the mystery seems to be like an ever-rising crescendo of a magnificent symphony, gradually gathering intensity and anticipation, until the moment in the sovereign wisdom of God He chooses to reveal it. An example of this fact, and the revelation of it, is found Paul’s letter to the Romans when he wrote: “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole of creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:21,22) Paul speaks of things present, but also of wonderful things, that according to the Scriptures are certainly coming. He speaks of a moment when the final liberation of creation from the law and effects of sin, will be realized. The whole of creation, as well as specifically, the glorious liberty of the children of God, will be fully accomplished. Presently, not knowing the full extent and measure of this blessed “hidden thing,” without the capacity to understand it in its scope and glory, the believer must embrace it by faith, choosing to live in the expectation of it. It is a mystery to him, though in a limited measure, revealed to him. Only as there is the full liberation from all that is of sin and death is realized, and that new sinless day in Christ is realized, will the full revelation of the untainted, unspoiled, magnificent blessed newness of God will be the grasped. In that moment, the mystery will be known. Here, now, there is a mystery, partly revealed by the declaration of Scripture, but with the hope of its full realization on earth, as it is in heaven.
How then does another mystery, that which Paul speaks about in his letter to the Ephesians, work and have its effect on us today, having been “revealed” to the church after the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost? First, what is this mystery, one in which all men can partake of, and know, and see the realization of it in the life, though in a limited measure? This “mystery of Christ,” (Eph. 3:4) is said to have been revealed to Christ’s holy apostles, and prophets, by the Spirit.” (v.5) Hidden in other ages, the time has come for the unveiling of this “mystery.” What is it? Paul writes that it concerns Jews and Gentiles alike, specifically true believers in Christ. He goes on to say that with the revelation, there is to be a partaking of God’s promise in this Gospel mystery. The mystery has to do with the knowledge of the unsearchable riches of Christ, known by the revelation of the Spirit of God to the heart. It speaks of a knowledge of the truth of God, by the Spirit, but also, and primarily, Christ coming to DWELL in the heart.
Dear Father, Open our blind eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.